From 1 January 2019, we have shifted our approach to focus on evidence-based English language proficiency. Many people seeking to register as teachers speak a number of languages. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our profession.  We recognise this in our approach to language competency by providing opportunities for candidates to demonstrate their competency in English or te reo Māori.  We accept a broad range of specified evidence. 

Our requirements: English Language

These requirements are for Initial Teacher Education and Registration.

One of the following types of evidence must be provided to demonstrate English language competency:

• The New Zealand University Entrance literacy credits at either NCEA level 2 or 3 OR
   
• New Zealand University Entrance OR
   
• New Zealand tertiary entrance qualification gained on completing senior secondary school prior to the introduction of current University Entrance OR
   
• International Baccalaureate full diploma in English medium (24 points minimum) OR
   
• Cambridge International Examinations minimum 120 points on the UCAS Tariff plus meeting the CIE literacy requirements OR
   
• All primary schooling and at least three years secondary schooling completed in the English language and while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America or South Africa*
  (*Candidates from South Africa must also provide South African Matriculation Certificate Minimum D pass/level 5 in English OR South African Senior Certificate Minimum D pass/level 5 in English).  OR
   
• Six years of education comprising secondary schooling to at least year 12 and at least two years of successful tertiary education, taught in English as the primary language of instruction and through face-to-face learning and assessment such as tutorials and labs completed in the English language and while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America or South Africa*
  (*Candidates from South Africa must also provide South African Matriculation Certificate Minimum D pass/level 5 in English OR South African Senior Certificate Minimum D pass/level 5 in English) OR
   
• Awarded a Bachelor’s degree (with or without Honours), Master’s degree or other qualification at NZQF level 7 or above which took two or more years of full-time study to complete and 
  - Was taught in English as the primary language of instruction and through face-to-face learning and assessment such as tutorials, presentations, seminars, and supervisory meetings and
  - Was gained while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States or South Africa*
  (*Candidates from South Africa must also provide South African Matriculation Certificate Minimum D pass/level 5 in English OR South African Senior Certificate Minimum D pass/level 5 in English).​OR
   
• Awarded Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) OR
   
• Awarded Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL) OR
   
• Achieved an outcome in one of the approved tests which is equivalent to or better than those specified (see table) within the past two years:

Our requirements: Te Reo Māori 

One of the following types of evidence must be provided to demonstrate te reo Māori competency:

• Achieved Whakamātauria Tō Reo Māori Level 3 (National Māori Language Proficiency Examinations) OR
• All primary schooling and at least three years secondary schooling in te reo Māori OR
• Five years of secondary schooling in te reo Māori

Exceptional cases for English language

The Council considers exceptional cases only where the specified evidence cannot be provided but there is other evidence of a high standard of English language competency.  

We make decisions on a case-by-case basis and require several sources of strong evidence, for example postgraduate qualifications gained in English and demonstration of a substantial period of successful work experience requiring a high level of speaking, writing, listening and reading in English.  Letters of support of your competence in an education setting must come from members of the profession / registered teachers.  

If you have not completed any schooling and studies in any of the countries listed in the policy (New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, the Republic of  Ireland, Canada, USA or South Africa) and you have not completed an approved test/course then it is likely that you will not meet the requirements for an exemption.

For initial teacher education, the request for consideration as an exceptional case must come from the provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read the FAQs.

Helpful links 

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 
TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT)
Cambridge English exams 
IELTS
Trinity ISE III (3)

Policy

Language Competency for Teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand Policy (Effective 1 January 2019).